Craig Slater says viral Miami GP swim triggered crisis talks and phone calls

During the Miami Grand Prix, journalist Craig Slater from Sky Sports F1 experienced backlash after a playful segment where he pretended to swim in the event’s artificial marina. The incident occurred during coverage of the inaugural race on May 8, 2022, which featured a synthetic lagoon created for aesthetic purposes. In a Reddit AMA, Slater admitted that his actions, intended as lighthearted fun, led to unexpected consequences, including crisis meetings with Miami Dolphins management who were concerned about the portrayal of the event. Slater clarified that he did not mean to mock the Grand Prix, which has attracted considerable attention and a substantial live audience since its debut.

The marina, designed with 10 yachts and 25,000 square feet of vinyl to mimic water, has been a distinctive feature of the F1 race held at Hard Rock Stadium. The event garnered an average of 2.6 million viewers, confirming its status as a prominent fixture in the F1 calendar.

Why it matters:

• This incident highlights the delicate relationship between media coverage and event perception, impacting marketing strategies for future events.
• It underscores the growing popularity of F1 in the U.S., with implications for sponsorship and investment opportunities in the sport.

The latest:

• No further repercussions for Slater have been publicly reported following the incident.